Choosing the right type of ball valve is crucial for industrial applications. Floating and trunnion are the two most common types of ball valves. The trunnion ball valve is a more complex design than the floating ball valve. A trunnion ball valve is more reliable and is more durable. Its movable sealing seat is easy to clean.
A trunnion valve is generally easier to use. Its metal trunnion holds the ball in place. The ball is suspended in the body of the valve, and downstream pressure pushes the ball against the downstream seat. The result is a leak-tight seal. In contrast, a floating ball valve uses a floating ball, which is connected to a stem.
Floating ball valves are often used in industrial applications, while trunnion-mounted valves have a fixed ball and can be adjusted to regulate pressure. Both types can be used to control pressure in industrial and long-distance pipelines.
If you want to know more about the difference between the trunnion and floating ball valves, continue reading this article.
What Is Trunnion Ball Valve?
A trunnion ball valve is a type of pressure-reducing valve. Its three-piece construction features a fixed valve core on the upper stem and a movable sealing seat on the lower stem. As a result, a trunnion ball valve is more stable in its operation, with excellent shear force, automatic compensation, and self-cleaning features. In addition, it is ideal for on-off control of suspensions with tiny solid particles or viscous media.
The trunnion ball valve is available in a variety of sizes. These valves are also more expensive than floating ones. The trunnion mounts the ball, providing adequate backing for the ball. The trunnion also absorbs extra pressure and stress on the valve seat. As such, the trunnion-mounted ball valve is easy to operate.
Since the ball sits inside the valve seat, it can regulate the flow of liquids in a pipeline. Its dual functionality means that it can be used for petroleum and water pipelines.
In terms of application, the trunnion ball valve is useful in both high and low-pressure applications. It requires less torque when turning than floating ball valves. While both styles of the ball valve are equally effective in different types of applications, the trunnion ball valve is more expensive than the floating type.
What Is a Floating Ball Valve?
A floating ball valve is a simple valve that has a good sealing performance. The load from the sphere is transmitted to the outlet sealing ring. The sealing ring should be made of a material that is able to bear the working load of the sphere medium. This type of valve is typically used for low and medium-pressure applications.
In a floating ball valve, the ball floats inside the valve. It is not connected to anything. The valve seat is fixed, and the ball is free. When the pressure changes, the ball moves towards the opening and creates a tight seal to stop the flow. In this type of valve, the ball is pushed towards the opening to control the flow.
Floating ball valves are often used in multi-port applications. They are ideal for high-pressure and low-pressure applications, as well as for suspensions containing tiny solid particles.
What is the Difference between Trunnion and Floating Ball Valve?
There are several differences between the trunnion and floating-type ball valves. In the case of the trunnion, the upper and lower stem is fixed, while the floating valve has a movable ball. This type of valve features a more stable working condition, self-cleaning function, and automatic compensation feature. This type of valve is perfect for applications that need on-off-flow control of fibers, suspensions of solid particles, and highly viscous media.
The first major difference between floating and trunnion valves is their mechanical design. Floating ball valves are typically used in smaller pipelines. Because they are cheap to manufacture, they are a popular option. The ball is sandwiched between two concave-shaped seats to form a leak-tight seal. Unlike trunnion valves, which have fixed seats that don’t move, the floating ball valve has a pivoting actuation shaft. This allows the valve to maintain a tight seal while preventing leakage at the stem-bonnet interface.
Floating ball valves are cheaper than trunnion-mounted ball valves. They have fewer internal components, which makes them more convenient. They can also handle higher pressures. However, they are not as common as trunnion-mounted valves. If you’re looking for a ball valve, make sure to consult an expert.
A trunnion-mounted ball valve uses a spring mechanism to create a seal between the valve seat and the underlying line. While this method requires more torque, it’s more versatile and easy to use when the pressure is low. However, trunnion-mounted ball valves are typically used in high-pressure applications. However, the difference between a trunnion-mounted and floating ball valve is important for high-pressure applications.